Category: Uncategorized

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Sumiyoshi Taisha & Shinsekai

    Osaka in Half a Day: Sumiyoshi Taisha & Shinsekai

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Meet @ Hotel & Resorts Midousuji Hommachi Eki Tower
    • 09:45 @ Sumiyoshi Taisha
    • 11:00 @ Kuromon Market
    • 12:00 @ Dotonbori
    • 12:45 @ Shinsekai
    • 13:00 Disband @ Subway Namba Station

    Osaka Sumiyoshi Taisha Private Tour: What Does a Half-Day Walk with a Licensed Guide Look Like? A guest from Europe joined a private tour, and despite the intense heat, everything went smoothly. Rather than focusing on each individual spot, the guest's main interest was taking photos and videos of the streets and townscape, including the sightseeing spots. Even so, at Sumiyoshi Taisha the guest experienced worshipping, picked up the small pebbles at the popular power spot known as "Go-Dai-Riki," and purchased an amulet pouch. The guest also took interest in the "petting rabbit" statue and enthusiastically stroked it. After this tour, the guest was scheduled to join a "food walking tour" in the evening. As it happened to be the guest's birthday the next day, I presented a handmade drawstring pouch that I had brought along, and received the comment, "This is a very Japanese gift, thank you so much."

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayHommachi~Namba (Subway)190JPY
    Section 2TrainNamba (Nankai Line)~Sumiyoshi Taisha240JPY
    Section 3TrainSumiyoshi Taisha~Namba240JPY
    Section 4SubwayNamba (Subway)~Dobutsuen-mae190JPY
    Section 5SubwayDobutsuen-mae~Namba (Subway)190JPY
    Total1,050JPY

    Dear my guests,

    This is (Mr.) Yama, greeting from Kobe, Japan.
    I would like to warmly welcome you to Japan this time. I am from the city of Kobe, which is of course, well-known for very tasty Kobe Beef . You can taste
    real genuine Kobe Beef here. Kobe is also called “Home of Japanese Sake” with lots of Sake breweries, and I recommend you would visit those breweries
    if you have any interest in Japanese Sake as well as one aspect of Japanese cultures. Of course, you can have tastings of various kinds of Sake there.

    Whenever during the tour, I always try to make it safe, pleasant and comfortable for all of the guests, which is my first priority. I am very much confident
    that you can have a pleasant and unforgettable experience in Japan. Just tell me about your preference; what you would like to like to see, have, know
    and eat and so on. Particularly, I hold the license for cooking qualified by the government here and maybe, I can reply you for questions related to the
    foods here. In this respect, I strongly recommend you would try not only famous Japanese cuisine such as Sushi, Tempura or Suki-yaki but some
    Japanese traditional local foods, like Tako-yaki, Okonomi-yaki and Kushkatsu. They are sometimes called the soul foods of Japan. Here is the brief
    explanation for these three foods.

    1) Tako-yaki
    Tako-yaki is a snack filled with pieces of octopus in a batter of flour , egg and soup stock. You can call them octopus dumplings or balls. “Tako” means
    octopus and “yaki” means grilled or broiled.
    2) Okonomi-yaki
    This word Okonomi-yaki means “cook just as you like” and you can use whatever you like as toppings, such as beef, pork, shrimp, squid and octopus.
    Okonomi-yaki is round shape and just like pancakes or pizza in shape mainly made from egg, flour and water.
    3) Kushi-katsu
    Kushi-katsu is skewered cutlet or deep-fried foods on a stick. “Kushi” means skewer and “katsu” means cutlet. Various kinds of foods are used for
    ingredients such as beef, pork, chicken, shrimp, squid, octopus and lots of kinds of vegetables.

    Actually, the western Japan including Osaka, Kobe and Himeji is called as “Home of such local soul foods”. You should give it a try and I am sure
    that you like them very much.

    I sincerely hope that I can be your tour guide this time in Kobe, Osaka and Himeji. If my guests said to me after the tour, “I have had a very good
    and pleasant time with you today. I hope I can come here again and name you as our guide”, which is my great pleasure. Moreover, I would be
    great honored if they say “I like Japan now thanks to you”.

    Looking forward to meeting you soon here.
    Doomo Arigato Gozaimasu!
    Yama

    Jul 25, 2026
    Hdixjdixj
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Local Food & Culture Tour in 1 Day, Licensed Guide
    Amazing Food Tour through Osaka
    We were taken…

    Jul 20, 2026
    Eric_W
    Viator review: Himeji Castle & Koko-en in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide
    Castle journey worth your time!
    Our tour with…

    Jul 13, 2026
    Diane_B
    Viator review: Kobe Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Our tour guide Yama was amazing!!
    Our tour guide…

    Jul 4, 2026
    Navigator661725
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful time!
    We absolutely loved this tour. Yama was attentive, was…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Sensoji Temple

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Sensoji Temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:55 Meet up @ Hotel Tokyo
    • 11:40 Sensoji Temple
    • 12:25 Lunch @ Sansada (tempura)
    • 13:40 Imperial Palace
    • 14:30 Shibuya Scramble Crossing / Hachiko
    • 15:25 Disband @ Hotel Tokyo

    What Does a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour with a Licensed Guide Cover? A Guide's Report on Asakusa, the Imperial Palace, and Shibuya The guests were visitors from Europe, and it was their first time in Japan. After sightseeing in Tokyo, they were planning to travel to another destination the next day. At Sensoji Temple, they listened with great interest to explanations about the differences between temples and shrines, as well as the Kaminarimon Gate. For lunch, they enjoyed tempura. At the Imperial Palace, they were very interested in the historical explanations about the role of the Emperor, the Meiji Restoration, and the Edo Shogunate. In Shibuya, they listened with interest to the story of Hachiko and showed great interest in the lively atmosphere of the Scramble Crossing. Since I responded to the guests' wishes throughout, I believe they were satisfied.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShimbashi~Asakusa210JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa~Nijubashimae210JPY
    Section 3SubwayNijubashimae~Shibuya210JPY
    Section 4SubwayShibuya~Shimbashi180JPY
    Total810JPY

    I am Seizo Kamiuto, National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English). I was born in Kagoshima City in Kyushu (Southern part of Japan) and grew up there until the graduation from a high school. I came to Tokyo to enter a University in Tokyo and since then, I have lived in Tokyo for more than 40 years and therefore I know Tokyo and its suburbs and Kagoshima City very well. After retiring from an IT company, I have been working as a Guide Interpreter of English since March 2018. I have guided many overseas guests to the popular sightseeing spots in Tokyo, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji area (Kawaguchiko Lake etc.), Hakone, Nikko, Yokohama, Kawagoe and Kagoshima and so on. I have received good reviews from many guests. I can explain the history and the culture of Japan in detail. I look forward to an opportunity to guide you in Japan. Thank you. Seizo Kamiuto

    Jul 10, 2026
    surferbikerdude1
    Tripadvisor review: Kamakura Day Trip from Tokyo in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Beautiful Tour of Kamakura
    Seizo Kamiuto was out…

    Jun 9, 2026
    stacy_grana
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful day with an experienced guide
    Our guide, Seizo, was amazing.…

    Jun 6, 2026
    U9351HJjakes
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo Tour
    Seizo Kamiuto was great and super knowledgeable. He had a…

    May 20, 2026
    HugoJ670
    Tripadvisor review: Edo Tokyo & Japanese Culture Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Tokio in de zon
    Seizo Kaminto is een uitstekende…

  • Kyoto: Nijo Castle & Kyoto Imperial Palace

    Kyoto: Nijo Castle & Kyoto Imperial Palace

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Hotel Meet(@Mercure Kyoto Station)
    • 9:30-10:00 Transfer (contracted vehicle; Hotel → Nijo Castle)
    • 10:00-11:20 Visit Nijo Castle
    • 11:20-11:50 Transfer (contracted vehicle; Nijo Castle → Restaurant/CoCo Kana・near Kinkaku-ji)
    • 11:50-12:40 Lunch (@CoCo Kana)
    • 12:40-12:50 Transfer (contracted vehicle; Restaurant → Kinkaku-ji)
    • 12:50-13:30 Visit Kinkaku-ji
    • 13:30-13:50 Transfer (contracted vehicle; Kinkaku-ji → Kyoto Imperial Palace)
    • 13:50-14:50 Visit Kyoto Imperial Palace
    • 14:50-15:30 Transfer (contracted vehicle; Kyoto Imperial Palace → Hotel Mercure Kyoto Station via Gion)
    • 15:30 Tour ends. Farewell in front of the hotel

    What Does a Private Kyoto Day Tour Look Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Nijo Castle, Kinkaku-ji, and the Imperial Palace The guests were a group visiting from Europe. Some of the guests had been to Japan several times before and had also visited Kyoto around twenty years ago. On this occasion, I took the group to Nijo Castle, Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion), and the Kyoto Imperial Palace. The temperature was relatively low and comfortable in the morning, but the afternoon tour took place in intense heat. Among the guests, one enjoyed Nijo Castle the most, some preferred the Imperial Palace, and another liked Kinkaku-ji best. On the way back from the Imperial Palace, we had a little time to spare, so after consulting with the driver, we passed through Gion (Hanamikoji Street and Tatsumi Bridge) before dropping the group off at their Hotel and saying goodbye.

    My name is (Mr.)Michiharu Aioi and I worked at Electronic Manufacturing Company (Panasonic) for more than 40 years in charge of overseas sales.
    I learned a lot in these 40 years and now I would like to contribute to the promotion of mutual understanding with foreign countries being involved in tourism busines utilizing my long experience in my previous company. I will do my best to make each trip very fruitful for each foreign visitor.
    As for my language ability, in addition to English, I can speak Spanish which I used in my job and I can communicate with Chinese people with intermediate level. Finally It is my great pleasure if my activity could work in the mutual understang with foreign visitors. Thanks a Lot !

    Jul 19, 2026
    Wander35832177180
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Kyoto temple tour
    Our Kyoto guided tour (Aioi Michiharu) was a…

    Jul 16, 2026
    Abby_M
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour. Highly recommend
    Michi our guide was excellent!…

    Jul 13, 2026
    Javier P
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto gems
    Michi was incredibly courteous and informative.…

    Jul 13, 2026
    Beth_D
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Excellent Tour and Guide
    Michi was an excellent tour guide! He…

  • Shimizu Shore Excursion: Mt. Fuji View Tour

    Shimizu Shore Excursion: Mt. Fuji View Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • Shimizu Port 8:00 – Sunpu Park and Momijiyama Garden 9:30 – Yume Terrace 10:00 – Nihondaira Ropeway and Toshogu Shrine 11:30 – Kashi no Ichi 13:30 – Shimizu Port 14:00

    What Is a Private Shizuoka and Shimizu Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America on a tour of Japan. First, at Momijiyama Garden in Sunpu Park, we took our time exploring the garden while enjoying matcha and sweets. After that, we walked around and saw the statue of Tokugawa Ieyasu and the excavation site of the castle keep foundation. Next, at Nihondaira Yume Terrace, we carefully studied the video about how Nihondaira came to be, which had English subtitles at the entrance, before going up to the observation deck. Unfortunately Mount Fuji was not visible, but we could take in a panoramic view of Suruga Bay, the city of Shizuoka, and the Southern Alps. Then we took the ropeway up to Kunozan Toshogu Shrine and the mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu. Along the way, they listened attentively to explanations of Ieyasu's handprint, the wooden horse modeled after his beloved steed, the display shelf of Tamiya models, the origins of the carvings on the worship hall, and the meaning behind the upside-down hollyhock crest. Finally, at the Kashi no Ichi riverside market, they enjoyed flavors that can only be savored in Shimizu, such as delicious tuna, tempura, and a tasting comparison of three kinds of sake. It was a knowledgeable group with a real appreciation for history and tradition, which made guiding them truly rewarding.

    I have been teaching high school students for 40 years as an English teacher and guiding for 10years including a volunteer guide .Now I am a national government licensed guide. I have been dreaming to introduce Japanese culture including tasty Japanese food and history , our society and also some problems in it. It is a great moment of joy and excitement to be with you from all over the world. I love traveling around Japan and abroad myself. I visited East Germany ,too that does not exist any more. I am looking forward to guiding you in and around Shizuoka!

    Jul 26, 2026
    Edward_H
    Viator review: Shimizu Shore Excursion: Mt. Fuji View Tour, Licensed Guide
    The only way to tour if…
    The only way to…

    Jun 30, 2026
    Louisa_B
    Viator review: Shizuoka/Shimizu Mt Fuji View 6 hr Private Tour: Guide Only
    My Fuji Experience and temple visit
    Great trip out…

    Apr 14, 2026
    Bret_F
    Viator review: Shizuoka/Shimizu Mt Fuji View 6 hr Private Tour: Guide Only
    Great Shizuoka Area Experience
    We enjoyed a memorable day…

    Mar 27, 2026
    James_M
    Viator review: Shizuoka/Shimizu Mt Fuji View 6 hr Private Tour: Guide Only
    Loved are guide.
    Great tour guide. We loved her…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 9:30 Meet up @Aloft Tokyo Ginza
    • 2. 9:45 @Kabukiza Theatre
    • 3. 10:30 @Meiji Shrine
    • 4. 11:00 @Harajuku Takeshita Street
    • 5. 11:45 @Imperial Palace (Sakuradamon Gate, Nijubashi Bridge, Main Gate)
    • 6. 12:20 @Tokyo Station (Station Plaza, Station Building)
    • 7. 12:50 @Nihonbashi (Takashimaya Basement Food Hall)
    • 8. 13:30 Lunch @Yoroiya (Asakusa Denbouin Street)
    • 9. 14:00 @Sensoji Temple
    • 10. 14:45 @Akihabara (Chuo Street)
    • 11. 15:40 Disband @Inside the store near the Yodobashi Akiba entrance

    What Is a Private Family-Friendly Day Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, Asakusa, and Akihabara The guests were a group from North America visiting Japan for the first time. At Meiji Shrine, all members of the group actively practiced the proper form of worship (two bows, two claps, one bow) after purifying themselves at the water pavilion. In the underground food hall of a department store in Nihonbashi, one of the guests wanted to try Shine Muscat grapes and lined up at the register to buy some, but after seeing the price (about 6,000 yen for a single bunch), the group decided against the purchase. The group had an interest in vegan gyoza and had been searching for it online. I guided them to a restaurant on Denboin Street in Asakusa, where they tried vegan ramen and vegan gyoza. They found it very delicious and finished everything. Originally, the itinerary had included a possible visit to Shibuya after Harajuku "if time allowed," but the guests wanted to skip it since they planned to visit it at length on another day. So instead of Shibuya, after sightseeing in Asakusa, I guided them to nearby Akihabara, where we parted ways. It was a day of truly intense heat. Walking outside felt almost like being in a sauna, so after any period when we had no choice but to walk outdoors, I made sure to secure some time in an air-conditioned place until we cooled down. Fortunately, everyone in the group was in good condition, and we were able to finish the tour without anyone suffering heat exhaustion.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassTokyo Metro Hibiya Line Higashi-Ginza Station~Chiyoda Line Meiji-jingumae Station700JPY
    Section 2Free PassTokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Meiji-jingumae Station~Yurakucho Line Sakuradamon Station0JPY
    Section 3Free PassTokyo Metro Ginza Line Nihonbashi Station~Asakusa Station0JPY
    Section 4Free PassTokyo Metro Ginza Line Asakusa Station~Suehirocho Station0JPY
    Total700JPY

    Hello, I’m Noripy.
    I am a lively woman in my 60s who loves having fun. My charm lies in my bright and approachable personality. Drawing on over 30 years of international experience, I began working as a tour guide in 2023. I have conducted over 100 tours annually, ensuring that my clients enjoy Tokyo and its surrounding areas. I have received high praise from a wide range of customers, from teenagers to people in their 80s. I cater to solo travelers, couples, newlyweds, families, and groups of up to about 10 people. Living in the heart of the city, I actively guide tours primarily in Tokyo. In addition to being certified in English, one of my strengths is being able to communicate effectively in Spanish as well.
    I’m looking forward to meeting you all in Tokyo!

    Jul 3, 2026
    Jody D
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Full Day Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle from Yokohama
    Best Post cruise tour ever
    It was…

    June 19, 2026
    Alec T
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo in 4 hours
    Noripy was excellent! She guided us through…

    Jun 16, 2026
    Hema_R
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lovely experience. My…
    Lovely experience. My guide was an absolutely adorable lady…

    Jun 3, 2026
    Sara B
    Tokyo walking tour with Noripy. A+!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Noripy gave a 5/5 tour!…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Harajuku Takeshita Street

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Harajuku Takeshita Street

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:15 Meet at Mimaru Tokyo Shinjuku West
    • 8:40 Meiji Shrine
    • 10:15 Asakusa (Skytree photos)
    • 12:25 Harajuku Takeshita Street
    • 12:40 After trying to buy a Suica at Shibuya Station, Shibuya Scramble Crossing, shopping at a Shibuya drugstore
    • 13:30 Disband at the dining floor of Shibuya Scramble Square

    Can You Do a Private Full-Day Tour of Tokyo Starting Early Morning? A Licensed Guide's Report There was contact from the hotel, and I went to pick up the guests, though we were able to meet about 15 minutes after the scheduled end time. Since one of the guests did not have a Suica or similar card and ended up purchasing a paper ticket each time until the end, it took a little extra time. Because we started early with an 8:00 meeting, we first visited Meiji Shrine, then Asakusa, and after that Takeshita Street. The guests moved through Takeshita Street very quickly, and when I asked about it, they said they would come back later so it was fine. Since a Suica purchase had been requested from the start, I tried to buy one at Shibuya Station before their desired visit to the Scramble Crossing, but it turned out that the purchase was not possible without the relevant passport, which was unfortunate. They also wished to buy a parasol, so I guided them to a nearby drugstore. As they wanted to have lunch somewhere the locals go, I guided them to the restaurant floor of Shibuya Scramble Square. The guests said we could finish there, and we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinjuku~Harajuku150JPY
    Section 2TrainMeiji-jingumae~Asakusa260JPY
    Section 3TrainAsakusa~Meiji-jingumae260JPY
    Section 4TrainHarajuku~Shibuya150JPY
    Total820JPY

    My name is Eiji Kobayashi (Mr.), and I will be your guide during your stay in Tokyo.
    Please call me Koba.
    Allow me to introduce myself. I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter of Japan and an expert in Japanese history and culture, and also in nursing and health. I usually work as a Public Health Nurse (PHN) at a Public Health Center in Tokyo, and I hold a Registered Nurse (RN) license. Additionally, I have a Ph.D. in medical science.
    Born in 1957 and raised in Tokyo, I have worked for 33 years mainly in the research and development area for some pharmaceutical companies. Then, I changed my career to nursing and entered a university to obtain a PHN and RN license. I took the Licensed Guide for preparation for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and volunteered in the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2021.

    Jul 21, 2026
    scottsD8777AR
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Great Touring Tokyo
    Koba is an excellent tour guide. We greatly…

    Jul 9, 2026
    Quest36994121691
    First visit to Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    This was our first visit…

    Jul 8, 2026
    Χρονης Π
    A beautiful tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    It was a perfect experience…

    Jul 5, 2026
    I3699SBjonathanw
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    6hr Tokyo guide great experience
    Koba was so nice to my family…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: East Gardens of the Imperial Palace

    Tokyo in Half a Day: East Gardens of the Imperial Palace

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at Prince Park Tower Tokyo
    • 10:50 East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
    • 12:15 Asakusa (Skytree photo)
    • 12:40 Lunch @ Sushi-ei Asakusa
    • 13:25 Ueno Park. Kiyomizu Kannon-do, Ueno Toshogu Shrine, Shinobazu Pond
    • 14:35 Meiji Shrine
    • 15:15 Disband at Harajuku Takeshita Street entrance

    Title: What's a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like on a Hot Summer Day? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests contacted me from their hotel, so I went to pick them up and we met there. Since they already had Suica cards, the itinerary proceeded smoothly. It was a very hot day, so I lent them a parasol, which they used. The East Gardens of the Imperial Palace were extremely hot, but by having them drink Pocari Sweat (at the guests' request), we were able to continue without any trouble. Most of the guests were visitors from abroad. Since we were running behind schedule, we went through Asakusa quickly, but at the guests' request we decided to have lunch, and I took them to a sushi restaurant I know where they enjoyed sushi and chirashizushi. They seemed to have a great time at the counter seats. As we were running quite late, I checked whether they would like to extend the tour to visit both Ueno and Meiji Jingu, and since they were fine with extending, we proceeded along the planned course as they wished and parted ways at the planned meeting point.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShibakoen~Takebashi290JPY
    Section 2TrainOtemachi (Tokyo)~Asakusa180JPY
    Section 3TrainAsakusa~Ueno180JPY
    Section 4TrainYushima~Meiji-jingumae210JPY
    Total860JPY

    My name is Eiji Kobayashi (Mr.), and I will be your guide during your stay in Tokyo.
    Please call me Koba.
    Allow me to introduce myself. I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter of Japan and an expert in Japanese history and culture, and also in nursing and health. I usually work as a Public Health Nurse (PHN) at a Public Health Center in Tokyo, and I hold a Registered Nurse (RN) license. Additionally, I have a Ph.D. in medical science.
    Born in 1957 and raised in Tokyo, I have worked for 33 years mainly in the research and development area for some pharmaceutical companies. Then, I changed my career to nursing and entered a university to obtain a PHN and RN license. I took the Licensed Guide for preparation for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and volunteered in the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2021.

    Jul 21, 2026
    scottsD8777AR
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Great Touring Tokyo
    Koba is an excellent tour guide. We greatly…

    Jul 9, 2026
    Quest36994121691
    First visit to Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    This was our first visit…

    Jul 8, 2026
    Χρονης Π
    A beautiful tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    It was a perfect experience…

    Jul 5, 2026
    I3699SBjonathanw
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    6hr Tokyo guide great experience
    Koba was so nice to my family…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Yasaka Shrine and Kodaiji Temple

    Kyoto in One Day: Yasaka Shrine and Kodaiji Temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet up @ MIMARU Kyoto Shinmachi Sanjo
    • 9:30–10:30 Sightseeing at Ginkakuji Temple, stroll along the Philosopher's Path
    • 11:00-12:00 Sightseeing at Yasaka Shrine and Kodaiji Temple
    • 12:15-13:30 Lunch @ Ishibei Koji Mamecha
    • 13:40-15:30 Sightseeing at Yasaka Pagoda, Kiyomizu Temple
    • 16:15 Disband @ Cafe SAGAN
    • *For transportation, guests arrange a jumbo taxi directly via the Uber app

    What Is a Private Kyoto Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Ginkaku-ji and Kiyomizu-dera The guests were a close-knit group visiting from Oceania. We traveled to Ginkaku-ji by taxi. Although it was hot, the weather was fine, and they were captivated by the calm atmosphere of Ginkaku-ji. After sightseeing at Yasaka Shrine and Kodai-ji, we had lunch at a restaurant near Kodai-ji. It was a kaiseki course, and the guests happily ate it up, saying "Yummy!" After lunch, despite the heat, we walked to see Yasaka Pagoda, Ninenzaka, and Kiyomizu-dera. Having spent about three weeks in Oceania myself in the past, we enjoyed lively conversation sharing stories from that experience.

    Hello! I am Andy Murao. I love this job as I can visit various destinations with the people from all over the world. I am always thinking that I could help you know more about Japan and understand the attractiveness of Japan.

    I would like to provide a tour in accordance with your request and preference. Please let me know what you want to see, eat, experience, etc. and then I will propose a schedule based on them.

    There is one point to note. I like walking very much, so I might be a guide who forces you to take long walks.

    I look forward to attending you in Japan.

    Best regards,

    Andy Murao

    Jul 13, 2026
    webstere2025
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Excellent
    Andy(Atsushi) was great and communicated with us beforehand about our…

    Jun 21, 2026
    Catherine_D
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    First time in Osaka
    Andy was great . On time and patience…

    Jun 6, 2026
    eyeessess
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour!
    Andy Murao was an amazing and wonderful tour guide.…

    Jun 5, 2026
    Janice_W
    Viator review: Kyoto 9hr Private Tour (Kobe Dep. ) with Licensed Guide
    Great tour of Kyoto
    It was a good tour…

  • Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour

    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • PM15:30 Hotel Fukuracia Osaka Bay Meeting
    • PM16:10 Osaka Castle
    • PM18:00 Shinsekai
    • PM18:30 Dotonbori
    • Pm19;30 Cosmosquare Station Dismissal

    Title: What Is a Half-Day Private Tour of Osaka Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Osaka Castle and Dotonbori Body: [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guides led a private tour of Osaka for a group visiting from North America. As this was a travel day arriving from Kyoto, the meeting time was changed and the tour started at 15:30. Since one of the guests was not feeling well and chose to rest at the Hotel, the tour proceeded with the rest of the group. Osaka Castle was not crowded, perhaps because of the later hour, and the guests were able to enjoy the view from the observation deck at a relaxed pace. They also looked at the museum on the lower floors with great interest. In the evening, the Shinsekai area was lively, and the guests enjoyed the atmosphere of downtown Osaka. In Dotonbori, I took them to Hozenji Temple, where I explained the etiquette for worship at the Mizukake Fudo statue and we made a wish together. I had originally thought it would be nice for them to have dinner in Dotonbori, but since one of the guests was resting at the Hotel, I saw them off at the station nearest to their accommodation and we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayCosmosquare~Tanimachi 4-chome290JPY
    Section 2SubwayTanimachi 4-chome~Ebisucho240JPY
    Section 3SubwayDobutsuen-mae~Namba (Subway)180JPY
    Section 4SubwayShinsaibashi~Cosmosquare290JPY
    Total1,000JPY

    I am Naoki Nakatani. I live in Osaka.
    I started tour guide from 2023 after 40 years
    work experience in Japanese manufacturing company. I am currently teaching Japanese as volunteer staff to foreign residents who live in my community. I have 11 and half years work experience in overseas office and I had interacted with people of foreign countries for a long time enjoying business and friendship with them. My guide experience is still short but I will provide my best service to the guests. I am in a position to prepare the itinerary if guests request and to send any information for the guest to make plan before visit to Japan.

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  • Hyogo in One Day: Mount Shosha / Engyoji & Nadagiku Sake Brewery

    Hyogo in One Day: Mount Shosha / Engyoji & Nadagiku Sake Brewery

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Meet at Hotel Himeji
    • 09:30 at Mount Shosha / Engyoji Temple
    • 12:15 at Himeji Castle
    • 14:15 at Nadagiku Sake Brewery
    • 15:00 Dismiss at Hotel Himeji

    Title: What Is a Private Himeji Castle and Engyoji Temple Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guest was a visitor from North America who was pleasantly surprised and delighted when the guide spoke a little Thai. The guest had visited Japan several times before and was very knowledgeable about the country, asking many detailed and in-depth questions at each site. There were some questions the guide could not answer, so the guide asked on-site staff and explained the answers to the guest, which also allowed the guide to gain new knowledge. Today's tour again took place during extreme summer heat, but inside Engyoji Temple and Himeji Castle it was remarkably comfortable, with a refreshing breeze that even surprised the guest. This is largely thanks to the wooden architecture. However, part of the mountain path on Mount Shosha was closed off due to fallen trees, forcing a detour that made for a fairly demanding walk, but the guest was a very strong walker and had no trouble at all. Engyoji Temple was also a filming location for "The Last Samurai," starring Tom Cruise and Ken Watanabe, and when the guide introduced their autographs displayed in the ropeway station waiting room, the guest, a fan of Tom Cruise, was very pleased. The guide also presented the guest with a handmade drawstring pouch, which the guest liked very much. At the final stop, Nadagiku Sake Brewery, the guest enjoyed a sake tasting experience. After today's tour, the guest was heading to Kyoto, so we parted ways upon returning to the Hotel. Note) A taxi was used from Himeji Castle to Nadagiku Sake Brewery, but the guest left a folding umbrella in the vehicle. The guide contacted the taxi company, which had been noted from memory, and they confirmed they were holding it, so the guide asked them to bring it to the guest's Hotel. Afterward, following the tour, the guest contacted the guide to confirm that it had definitely been received, which was a relief. Going forward, I feel it is important to remind guests to check for belongings when leaving transportation and each facility.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherIn front of JR Himeji Station~Mount Shosha Ropeway Station1,700JPY
    Total1,700JPY

    Dear my guests,

    This is (Mr.) Yama, greeting from Kobe, Japan.
    I would like to warmly welcome you to Japan this time. I am from the city of Kobe, which is of course, well-known for very tasty Kobe Beef . You can taste
    real genuine Kobe Beef here. Kobe is also called “Home of Japanese Sake” with lots of Sake breweries, and I recommend you would visit those breweries
    if you have any interest in Japanese Sake as well as one aspect of Japanese cultures. Of course, you can have tastings of various kinds of Sake there.

    Whenever during the tour, I always try to make it safe, pleasant and comfortable for all of the guests, which is my first priority. I am very much confident
    that you can have a pleasant and unforgettable experience in Japan. Just tell me about your preference; what you would like to like to see, have, know
    and eat and so on. Particularly, I hold the license for cooking qualified by the government here and maybe, I can reply you for questions related to the
    foods here. In this respect, I strongly recommend you would try not only famous Japanese cuisine such as Sushi, Tempura or Suki-yaki but some
    Japanese traditional local foods, like Tako-yaki, Okonomi-yaki and Kushkatsu. They are sometimes called the soul foods of Japan. Here is the brief
    explanation for these three foods.

    1) Tako-yaki
    Tako-yaki is a snack filled with pieces of octopus in a batter of flour , egg and soup stock. You can call them octopus dumplings or balls. “Tako” means
    octopus and “yaki” means grilled or broiled.
    2) Okonomi-yaki
    This word Okonomi-yaki means “cook just as you like” and you can use whatever you like as toppings, such as beef, pork, shrimp, squid and octopus.
    Okonomi-yaki is round shape and just like pancakes or pizza in shape mainly made from egg, flour and water.
    3) Kushi-katsu
    Kushi-katsu is skewered cutlet or deep-fried foods on a stick. “Kushi” means skewer and “katsu” means cutlet. Various kinds of foods are used for
    ingredients such as beef, pork, chicken, shrimp, squid, octopus and lots of kinds of vegetables.

    Actually, the western Japan including Osaka, Kobe and Himeji is called as “Home of such local soul foods”. You should give it a try and I am sure
    that you like them very much.

    I sincerely hope that I can be your tour guide this time in Kobe, Osaka and Himeji. If my guests said to me after the tour, “I have had a very good
    and pleasant time with you today. I hope I can come here again and name you as our guide”, which is my great pleasure. Moreover, I would be
    great honored if they say “I like Japan now thanks to you”.

    Looking forward to meeting you soon here.
    Doomo Arigato Gozaimasu!
    Yama

    Jul 25, 2026
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    Jul 4, 2026
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    A wonderful time!
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